Principal Scientist, Breakthrough Innovation

Ocean Spray Cranberries; Lakeville (MA); On-site; USD 96,200 - 132,220; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Complete insurance package on Day-1

401(k) with up to 6% matching

Tuition/Education assistance programs

Flexible scheduling options

Vacation pay up to three weeks

Job summary

A leading food and beverage company in Massachusetts is looking for a Principal Scientist for Breakthrough Innovation. This role involves developing new products to meet consumer demands, requiring extensive food science knowledge and at least 7 years of product development experience. The candidate should possess creativity, technical acumen, and a passion for innovation. A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package are provided.

Qualifications

• Deep technical knowledge in food science.
• PhD preferred for advanced qualifications.
• 7+ years in product development required.

Responsibilities

• Develop transformative food and beverage products.
• Conduct laboratory and pilot-plant work.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Food Science

Creative problem solving

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s or University Degree

Master’s Degree (Preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Data analysis tools

Job description

Overview

Ocean Spray is hiring for the Principal Scientist, Breakthrough Innovation role. We’re a farmer-owned co-op where everyone rolls up their sleeves to get the job done. The Principal Product Development Scientist, Breakthrough Innovation, will develop transformative food and beverage products to satisfy unmet consumer needs. The primary objective is to expand our product portfolio outside of our current core categories into new verticals and product forms. This role resides within R&D and requires close collaboration with internal cross-functional teams as well as external resources to conceptualize, formulate, and create new products. The role requires broad ingredient and product development expertise, keen consumer understanding, and an ability to ideate and develop innovative ideas. The ideal candidate will have a passion for new product development and possess a combination of creativity, deep technical knowledge, curiosity, and an ability to execute.

What We Are Looking For

• Food Science Foundation/Strong Technical Acumen
• Ability to apply scientific principles to research and creative problem solving
• Creative and strategic mindset
• Courage to communicate directly and assume leadership role
• Willingness to influence broadly and defend ideas
• Highly motivated self-starter, eager to challenge status-quo and advocate for ideas with conviction
• Must be fearless in pursuit of big ideas
• Adaptability
• Expert understanding of food science, packaging, and manufacturing processes
• Advanced degree in Food Science or Chemical Engineering; PhD is a plus
• 7+ years in product development, with experience in supplements, pet food and/or nutraceuticals
• Familiarity with FDA, USDA, or other relevant regulatory bodies and standards
• Experience with PLM systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and data analysis tools
• Note that this role is on-site due to significant laboratory and pilot-plant work

Education

Bachelor’s or University Degree (Required); Master’s Degree (Preferred)

Work Experience

At least 7 years of experience

Annual Salary

$96,200 - $132,220

Benefits

• Complete insurance package on Day-1 that includes health and wellness programs
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Health savings account
• Flexible spending account
• Life and accident insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Telehealth services
• 1:1 health coaching
• Supportive benefits for all stages of life
• 401(k) with up to 6% company matching; discretionary match at year-end
• Short-Term Incentive/Performance bonuses
• Flexible scheduling options
• Vacation pay, up to three weeks (pro-rated for first year)
• Holiday pay for 12 holidays
• Career development and growth opportunities
• Tuition/Education assistance programs
• Access to LinkedIn Learning
• Scholarship programs for children of employees
• Parental leave
• Bright Horizons Family Solutions – Back-up care, tutoring, etc.
• Adoption assistance
• Bereavement leave
• Up to $300 fitness reimbursement
• Up to $300 massage reimbursement
• Employee appreciation events
• Employee discounts
• Charitable giving

Who We Are

You might have our iconic cranberry juice in your fridge or have heard about debates on canned vs. fresh cranberry sauce. The hardworking people growing the superfruit in our products are 700 family farmers who own our cooperative. They entrust us with what is most precious to them to create new and innovative products that delight consumers and grow this beloved brand today and into the future.

Team Members, Farmers, Consumers And Communities Alike—we value what makes us unique and strive to connect our farms to families for a better life by living our values.

• Grower Mindset – Embrace our grower-owners’ innovative spirit and heritage through confidence, learning and future focus
• Sustainable Results – Focused on delivering results for our grower-owners
• Integrity Above All – Do the right thing for grower-owners, customers, consumers and each other
• Inclusive Teamwork – Build diverse and inclusive teams that strengthen our cooperative

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

For MA Applicants – It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. Any employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.